Meet Matty Long | Sewist and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matty Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matty, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite affirmation that I use in my everyday life is simply “Do The Thing.” If I’m trying to find the motivation to do something, if I’m trying to decide whether or not to do something, I just remind myself to ‘Do The Thing.’ It’s easy to say, it’s easy to encourage myself or others, and I find it motivating.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I went to school for art in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I attended Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, NC and East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. I studied photography, ceramics, drawing, and design. I learned how to sew from my mother and grandmother.

I spent a long time in my early adulthood working different jobs, including construction and welding. I always had an opportunity to let my craftsmanship and design be on display while working with my hands. The thing about construction is that it’s hard on the body, so I didn’t stay in that field for very long.

I started trying to sew professionally in 2009 for the first time, but I didn’t have the support or knowledge I needed to be successful. I tried again in 2013, but had the same problem. It wasn’t until 2017 when I started making bandanas that I was able to run a business that actually made money from sewing!

In addition to bandanas, I now make a variety of outdoor and home goods, as well as performing basic and complex repairs on all kinds of sewn goods. My business is still very small, but growing!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a week to spend in the Front Range, I would make sure to stop by Domo for Japanese food, Dushanbe for tea, My Brother’s Bar for a burger, and El Taco de Mexico for a lengua burrito. I love checking out the exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art and taking a stroll around City Park to appreciate the trees! The Denver metro area has a bunch of really great skateparks, including D-Park in downtown, and the Arvada skatepark is one of the best in the country! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Ralph’s Industrial Sewing Machine Company for all of your industrial sewing needs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express immense thanks to all of my art teachers over the years, but especially Jeanne Barefoot, Virginia Downey, Margie O’Shea, and Michael Voors. These instructors were responsible for teaching me technique, skills, and craftsmanship. They also allowed me time and space to figure out what those things mean to me and how I express them in my work, whether it’s through photography, clay, or fabric.

Website: https://bullthistle.net

Instagram: @bull.thistle.adventure

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bull.thistle.adventure

Image Credits
Matty Long